Salary Guide

The Going Rate for UK Skilled Worker Visas — What It Is and Why It Matters

The "going rate" is the minimum salary set by the Home Office for each SOC occupation code on the eligible occupations list. It is not the same as the general £38,700 threshold. Applicants must be paid whichever is higher — the general threshold or the going rate for their specific SOC code.

Source: Home Office Appendix Skilled Occupations, effective 4 April 2024

What is the going rate?

The going rate is a per-SOC-code minimum salary set by the Home Office in Appendix Skilled Occupations. It is based on the 25th percentile of UK earnings for that occupation, updated periodically following Migration Advisory Committee advice. The going rate for most professional roles exceeds £38,700.

Going rate vs the general threshold

The general threshold (£38,700 from April 2024) applies to all Skilled Worker applicants as a floor. However, if the going rate for a specific SOC code is higher than £38,700, the applicant must be paid at least the going rate. An employer cannot pay £38,700 for a role with a £50,000 going rate and claim compliance.

How the going rate is calculated

UKVI uses ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data to derive going rates. The Migration Advisory Committee reviews these periodically. The rates are published in Home Office guidance and Appendix Skilled Occupations. They vary by SOC code only — unlike the US H-1B prevailing wage, there is no regional variation in the UK going rate.

Going rates change over time

Going rates are updated when the Home Office revises Appendix Skilled Occupations. The most recent significant update took effect 4 April 2024. Applicants should always check the current going rate in the latest version of Appendix Skilled Occupations — not third-party sources that may be outdated.

How to find the going rate for your role

The definitive source is Appendix Skilled Occupations, published on GOV.UK. Find your SOC code in the table and look for the "going rate" column. The salary on your CoS must be at or above this figure and at or above £38,700. If it is below either figure and no exception applies, your visa will be refused.

This page provides general information about UK immigration salary rules. Rules change frequently — always verify the current thresholds on GOV.UK (Appendix Skilled Occupations) before making any visa decision. This is not legal advice. Consult a regulated immigration adviser (OISC Level 2+) for advice specific to your situation.

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